Journey to the West: Starting with the True Lord of the Pure Land

The interior of Qixia Temple is simply furnished.

There were only prayer cushions, incense tables, and calligraphy and paintings.

Master Yujin and Master Chixia sat facing each other, and then a disciple presented them with a rough pottery tea set.

The teapot contained ordinary wild tea from the mountains, with a light color and a slight steam rising from it.

Then, Master Chixia poured tea from a teapot, the water gurgling and the steam rising gently.

His expression was calm, his gaze never leaving the clear ripples in his cup, as he slowly said:

"This small mountain retreat has always been quiet and austere, with little incense offerings and no good food to serve guests."

"This coarse tea is hardly an insult to the Imperial Preceptor."

Master Yu Jin took the teacup, tracing the rough texture of the pottery with his fingertip. Hearing this, he looked up, his face showing a gentle smile, without a trace of displeasure, and said:

"It is this humble Taoist who has presumptuously disturbed the peace and tranquility of the True Man."

To my shame, I am preoccupied with worldly affairs in the court and busy all day long, so I have neglected to take care of the Taoist retreats in the mountains.

Qixia Temple has protected the local area and has long been a contributor to the country; how can its incense offerings be so meager?

Upon returning to the city, this humble Taoist priest will have a small offering prepared and presented before the Three Pure Ones, as a token of his goodwill.

Master Chixia lowered his eyelids slightly, took a sip of tea, and remained noncommittal to Master Yujin's overtures, only coldly saying:

"Fellow Daoist, your intention is good. However, people from the mountains and fields are used to tranquility, and having too many external things is just a burden."

He considered himself a true cultivator of the Xuanmen sect, and naturally had a poor impression of people like Master Yujin, who used a demonic body to usurp the high position of national teacher and control the government.

If it weren't for the powerful Jiao Demon King behind him, they probably wouldn't even have served him this cup of coarse tea today.

Master Yu Jin seemed completely unconcerned by the other party's coldness, and lowered his eyes to sip his drink.

The tea had little flavor upon tasting, leaving only a faint herbal aroma.

He knew perfectly well that the fact that Master Chixia was willing to receive him here was a sign of respect for his own king.

Master Yu Jin didn't take this to heart and instead asked:

"I've heard that the young lady from the Han family has been frequently visiting the temple lately to ask fellow Daoists for advice on cultivation difficulties. I wonder how her progress is?"

"Fellow Daoist, judging from his temperament and innate qualities, is he still capable of being cultivated?"

Master Chixia looked up at him and slowly said:

"I have a question that I do not understand. Back when the Han family was already in decline, why did Fellow Daoist Yu Jin show them special favor and provide them with strong support?"

Within a few years, the Han family had become the most prestigious family in the country, its influence and prestige restored. Could you please explain the reasons behind this, fellow Daoist?

Master Yu Jin took a sip of tea, his expression calm, and replied:

"In my early years, the Han family produced a True Man named Li Yang, who had some old friendship with me."

Later, upon hearing of the misfortunes that befell his family and the passing of his loved ones, I felt compassion and thus decided to care for his descendants as a way of remembering him. This is only natural.

Is there anything wrong with it?

"I see."

Master Chixia gave Yu Jin a deep look, neither confirming nor denying, only saying:

"Since they are descendants of an old friend, it is only right that we take good care of them. However..."

He changed the subject and continued:

"However, after remembering the deceased, the six female disciples under your tutelage all received the true teachings, made great progress in their cultivation, and performed many good deeds in the country, earning them a good reputation."

Since the Han family daughter has a heart set on the Dao, why don't you, fellow Daoist, directly accept her as your disciple and personally guide her? Wouldn't that better preserve the friendship between old friends?

Upon hearing this, Master Yujin paused almost imperceptibly in the hand holding the teacup.

That girl from the Han family was someone his own king had personally mentioned and ordered him to keep a close watch on. How could he dare to take her under his wing without permission?

He pondered in his heart, but showed no sign of it on his face, only shaking his head and smiling:

"Fellow Daoist, you are unaware of this. In the past, the Han family passed down a rudimentary fire technique called the 'Crimson Furnace Fire Nourishing Technique.' This girl has been practicing it since childhood, and her foundation is already solid."

My practice leans towards the way of water. Although water and fire can complement each other, beginners should avoid mixing them. If you hastily accept someone into your school, it may lead them astray and be detrimental.

This is for her long-term benefit, not an excuse for me to shirk responsibility.

After hearing this, Master Chixia remained silent for a moment.

The great path leads to the same goal, and with the cultivation and knowledge of the Jade Brocade Golden Elixir True Person, how can there be any conflict in instructing a mere Qi Refining cultivator on the fundamental principles of the Fire Element?

This excuse is hardly convincing; there must be something else going on.

He suppressed his doubts and didn't press the matter further. He simply lowered his eyes, sipped his tea, and remained silent.

Master Yujin said no more.

He was discreet about his relationship with Han Liyan, and reported his whereabouts daily to the table.

The reason for asking about Chixia was merely to find out if the old Taoist had noticed anything unusual, or if he had other intentions towards the Han family.

"So that's how it is..." Master Yu Jin spoke again, his tone gentle, and asked, "What do you think of that girl from the Han family, fellow Daoist?"

After a moment's thought, Master Chixia said:

"Li Yan's temperament is indeed extraordinary; she is steadfast and calm, and her Daoist heart is worthy of being honed."

In my humble opinion, his physical attributes and aptitude are only above average, not exceptional.

Although he is still young, he has already reached the pinnacle of Qi Refining and is about to establish his foundation; the cultivation method he practices must be extraordinary.

As he spoke, his gaze seemed to sweep over Master Yujin almost imperceptibly.

Upon hearing this, Master Yu Jin chuckled softly, picked up his teacup to cover his mouth, and mumbled:

"Perhaps it was due to some fortuitous opportunity. In matters of cultivation, seven parts talent and three parts fate are involved; it cannot be forced."

He thought to himself, "The king himself has personally intervened; how could the gift be ordinary? But the details are not for outsiders to know."

Judging from the old Taoist's expression, although he had doubts, he might not be able to figure out the key, so there was no need to worry too much.

Each lost in their own thoughts, the room fell silent for a moment, save for the wisps of steam rising from the tea leaves.

Before he could say more, a disciple on duty from the temple quickly came to the quiet room, bowed, and reported:

Before he could say more, a disciple on duty from the temple quickly came to the quiet room, bowed, and reported:

"Master, a guest has arrived outside the temple. He claims to be Xuan Ling from Qingchi Ridge and has come to pay his respects."

Upon hearing this, Master Yujin immediately stood up, his worried expression vanishing, and he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

The Crimson Cloud Immortal, standing to the side, also straightened up, his whisk trembling slightly. He quickly rose and addressed the disciple:

"Go to the tea room immediately and fetch the jar of Yunya Wujian tea that I have treasured. Do not delay."

His tone was hurried, a stark contrast to his previous coldness towards Master Yujin.

Upon hearing this, Master Yu Jin's gaze flickered slightly, and he couldn't help but glance at him.

Previously, the tea was coarse and unpalatable, but upon hearing of the King's arrival, it was immediately replaced with a treasured spirit tea.

This old Taoist priest...

Master Chixia seemed not to notice his gaze, his expression unchanged, as if his previous coldness was not his own. He strode out first.

Master Yu Jin shook his head and chuckled, then followed him out.

The two arrived together outside the temple gate and saw a man in black standing with his hands behind his back on the steps.

He was tall and upright, with a stern face. He did not exude any intimidating or demonic aura, but rather a calm and composed demeanor that naturally emanated from him.

Its appearance instantly refreshes the mind and spirit, yet it also inspires awe and reverence.

It was none other than the Flood Dragon Demon King Xuan Ling.

True Man Chixia dared not be negligent and bowed first, saying, "This humble Taoist, Chixia of Qixia Temple, pays respects to the Dragon King."

Master Yu Jin also bowed, his posture even more respectful, and said:

"Your subordinate, Yu Jin, greets Your Majesty."

Xuan Ling glanced at the two of them, nodded slightly, and said, "Thank you for waiting."

Master Chixia stepped aside to lead the way, and said:

"King of the Dragon, please come inside the temple for tea. We apologize for the humble setting."

The three then entered the temple and took their seats in the quiet room, one as host and the other as guests.

A young Taoist priest offered tea utensils, while Master Chixia personally held the clay stove, boiling water and rinsing the utensils with meticulous care.

Once the water has boiled to a consistency resembling crab eyes, a small blue jar is opened, and a few tender, curled tea leaves with subtle white down are carefully scooped out with a silver spoon.

The teapot is poured into the purple clay teapot, and the water is poured from a high position and then poured from a low position with skillful technique. In an instant, a clear and unique fragrance fills the room.

"This is a wild delicacy called 'Cloud Cliff Mist Tip,' barely palatable. I humbly request the Dragon King to taste it."

Master Chixia presented the teacup to Xuanling with both hands, speaking humbly.

Xuan Ling took it, tasted it briefly, and then nodded, saying:

"This tea is extraordinary, Fellow Daoist Chixia, you are too kind."